Luke Williams

Founder of NYU Innovation Labs &
CEO of Meta Idea Labs

Professor at NYU Stern School

Luke Williams is one of the world’s leading management thinkers on innovation strategy and leadership. He has worked with leading companies across the globe and is a dynamic and sought-after keynote speaker, having lectured in 21 countries and addressed the United Nations General Assembly and the World Innovation Forum. Williams is a professor at NYU Stern School of Business, Founder of NYU Innovation Labs & CEO of Meta Idea Labs, an innovation strategy consultancy. He is the inventor of 30+ U.S. patents and has designed more than 100 products in industries ranging from transportation to finance, and healthcare to consumer electronics. His views are regularly featured in media ranging from Bloomberg Business Week and Fast Company to The Wall Street Journal and The Economist. He is the author of the international bestseller, Disrupt: Think the Unthinkable to Spark Transformation in Your Business.

8:00 a.m. 

Registration, Light Bites & Resource Expo 

9:00 a.m. 

Opening General Session 

Welcome Remarks 

Keynote: Luke Williams

10:15-11:15 a.m. 

Breakout Session I 

Innovations by Hawai‘i’s New Generation of Leaders

Negotiation Skills Masterclass

Successful Strategies for Remote and Hybrid Teams

11:30-12:30 p.m. 

Breakout Session II 

Turn On Your Emotional Intelligence to Lead

Navigating Difficult Colleagues

The State of Business in Hawai‘i: Navigating Change, Driving Impact

12:30-1:45 p.m. 

Lunch & Networking Expo

2:00-3:00 p.m. 

Afternoon Session 

The Power of Storytelling in Leadership

Is Diversity Still Alive in Hawai‘i?

Leading in the Age of Innovation: Embracing Change and Disruption

3:15-4:15 p.m. 

Closing General Session 

CEO Chronicles

Alaska Airlines Giveaway

Innovations by Hawai‘i’s New Generation of Leaders

Across the Islands, new leaders have taken the helm at some of the state’s most important organizations. These recently appointed CEO will describe what it takes to navigate complex transitions and how they are innovating for long-term impact while gaining the necessary buy-in from employees.

Moderator: Neill Char, Vice Chair, Retail Banking & Consumer Products Group, First Hawaiian Bank

Speakers:

• Jason Chang, President & CEO, Queen’s Health Systems

• Michelle Bartell, President & CEO, Aloha United Way

• Kevin Penn, President & CEO, James Campbell Company

• Joe Sprague, CEO, Hawaiian Airlines

Turn On Your Emotional Intelligence to Lead  

Great leaders inspire, motivate and foster strong relationships, and they relate and connect to many of their followers. Emotional intelligence is the foundation of all that. This session explores how to build up and use your EQ components like self-awareness, empathy and resilience to navigate challenges and build trust.

Moderator: Lisa Kubota, Marketing Content Manager, Kamehameha Schools

Speakers:

• Scot Simon, Executive Coach & Consultant, Simon Leadership Group

• Daniel Chun, Regional Vice President, Alaska Airlines x Hawaiian Airlines

• Daniel Arita, President, American Floor and Home

• Gina Anonuevo, Vice Chair, Chief Administrative Officer, and Chief Human Resources Officer, First Hawaiian Bank

Successful Strategies for Remote and Hybrid Teams

You need flexible skills and tools to lead remote and hybrid workplaces. This session explores how to foster collaboration, maintain engagement and build a strong team culture across distances. And learn practical ways to build accountability and measure productivity when you can’t see if your workers are actually sitting at their desks.

Speakers:

• Tracie Foglia, Talent Solutions Manager, Hawaii Employers Council

• David Hijirida, President, ProService Hawaii

Negotiation Skills Masterclass

Successful negotiation is more than just closing deals: It’s about building relationships, finding win-win solutions and confidently advocating for your interests. This masterclass equips you with proven techniques to communicate effectively, navigate tough conversations and achieve better outcomes in any negotiation.

Speaker: Christian Chambers, Litigation partner, Lung Rose Voss & Wagnild

Navigating Difficult Colleagues

If you work with some difficult colleagues or subordinates, we can help. This session will provide practical strategies to manage conflicts, communicate with clarity and foster productive relationships in tough situations.

Moderator: Jennifer Ablan, Editor, Hawaii Business Magazine

Speakers:

• Allison Vasconcellos, Learning Specialist, ALTRES

• Lori Kahikina, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer, Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART)

• Jan Boivin, Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Hawaii Pacific Health

The State of Business in Hawai‘i: Navigating Change, Driving Impact

As the state navigates a pivotal moment in its economic journey, the path forward calls for recovery, reinvention, and sustainable growth. In this timely panel, Hawai‘i leaders share insights on the current economy, emerging opportunities, and the pressing issues local businesses face, including workforce development and the need for long-term resilience.

Moderator: Sarah Guay, President & CEO, Hawaii Employers Council

Speakers:

• Governor Josh Green, M.D., Governor, State of Hawaii

• Mayor Rick Blangiardi, Mayor, City & County of Honolulu

• Bob Harrison, Chairman, President & CEO, First Hawaiian Bank

• James Tokioka, Director, State of Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism

• Sherry Menor-McNamara, President & CEO, Chamber of Commerce

The Power of Storytelling in Leadership

Storytelling is a powerful tool for everyone – including leaders, entrepreneurs, salespeople and marketers – to inspire, influence and connect with employees and customers. Learn techniques for crafting compelling narratives, communicating your vision effectively and using personal stories to build trust and influence.

Speakers:

• Stephan Edwards, President, Systemcenter

• Jenn Oyer, Founder and Chief Joy Officer, Community Impact Advisors

• Jody Shiroma, Chief Growth Officer, Navian Hawaii

• Kurt Matsumoto, President, Pulama Lanai

Is Diversity Still Alive in Hawai‘i?

DEI programs are being shut down nationwide. But our panel will make the case that diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives can still make sense for your organization – and help build valuable strengths within your workforce plus drive innovation and success.

Speakers:

• Kawika McKeague, President, G70

• Makana McCellan, Director of Communications, Office of the Governor of Hawai‘i

Leading in the Age of Innovation: Embracing Change and Disruption

Innovation is reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace, challenging leaders to adapt, rethink strategies and drive change. This session explores how to embrace disruption, foster a culture of innovation and lead with agility in an ever-evolving landscape.

Moderator: Ian Kitajima, President, Pacific International Center for High Technology Research (PICHTR)

Speakers:

• Meli James, Co-founder, Mana Up

• Dr. Patrick Sullivan, CEO & Founder, Oceanit

• Sterling Higa, Founder & CEO, Polcom

CEO Chronicles

Allison Vasconcellos

Learning Specialist

ALTRES

Alison Vasconcellos is the Human Resources Learning Specialist at ALTRES, where she designs and leads practical, career-focused training programs. With over 30 years of operations management experience across multiple industries, she now focuses on developing Hawaiʻi’s workforce. Alison is passionate about empowering individuals to grow in their careers and build stronger teams.

Christian Chambers

Litigation Partner

Lung Rose Voss & Wagnild

Christian Chambers is a litigation partner at Lung Rose Voss & Wagnild, focusing on complex commercial, real estate, and construction disputes. With a background in economics, political science, and an M.B.A., he brings a strong foundation in negotiation theory to his legal practice. Christian applies these principles to resolve high-stakes conflicts with clarity and practical strategy.

Christine Camp

President & CEO

Avalon Group

Christine Camp is the CEO of Avalon Group and the force behind “DoHo,” the revitalization of Downtown Honolulu through the acquisition of eight buildings in two years. A leader in real estate, banking, and community development, she has overseen over $500 million in investments since founding Avalon in 1999. Her national influence with the Urban Land Institute and recognition as Developer, Power, and CEO of the Year reflect her visionary impact.

Daniel Arita

President

American Floor and Home

Daniel Arita brings 18 years of leadership to American Floor and Home, helping grow its 51-year legacy. Mentored by his father, he’s excelled in flooring, remodeling, and sales, while modernizing operations and expanding products. He’s been recognized in Pacific Business News’ 40 Under 40, Hawaii Business Magazine’s 20 for the Next 20, and Floor Covering News’ 35 Under 35. Daniel also supports Aloha United Way, Better Business Bureau, and Pali Momi Foundation through board service. 

Daniel Chun

Regional Vice President

Alaska Airlines x Hawaiian Airlines

Daniel Chun leads community and cultural relations, government affairs, and sales in Hawai‘i for the newly merged Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines. With over 20 years in Hawai‘i’s tourism industry, he also serves on several community boards. A Honolulu native, Daniel holds a degree in travel industry management from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.

David Hijirida

President

ProService Hawaii

David Hijirida is the President of ProService Hawaii, bringing 25 years of leadership experience across banking, fintech, and Amazon. He specializes in product development, technology, and operations, and is committed to building a strong ownership culture. A Punahou graduate, he holds degrees from MIT, Cornell, and Wharton.

Gina Anonuevo

Vice Chair, Chief Administrative Officer & Chief HR Officer

First Hawaiian Bank

Gina Anonuevo serves as Vice Chair, Chief Administrative Officer, and Chief Human Resources Officer at First Hawaiian Bank, where she has held leadership roles since 2006. A former FDIC and California State Bank Examiner, she also sits on the bank’s Senior Management Committee and Foundation board. Gina is a Pacific Coast Banking School graduate and serves on the board of the Hawaiian Humane Society.

Governor Josh Green

Governor

State of Hawai‘i

Ian Kitajima

President

PICHTR

Ian Kitajima is President of PICHTR and a co-founder of Design Thinking Hawaii, known for bridging innovation, education, and community impact. As a “tech sherpa,” he helps translate complex technologies into practical, human-centered solutions. His work spans AI education, agtech in public schools, and tech pathways for defense markets—always with a focus on purpose, scale, and inclusion.

James Tokioka

Director

Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT)

James Kunane Tokioka is the Director of DBEDT, bringing decades of leadership in both public service and the private sector. He previously served as Deputy Director of the DOT Airports Division, spent 16 years in the Hawai‘i State House of Representatives, and 10 years on the Kaua‘i County Council. Before government, he built a career in hospitality and business development, including roles in hotel management and with Oceanic Time Warner Cable/Spectrum.

Jason Chang

President & CEO

The Queen’s Health Systems

Jason Chang is the President and Chief Executive Officer of The Queen’s Health Systems. An accomplished healthcare executive, Jason has over 15 years of executive leadership experience in both for-profit and non-profit healthcare systems. His background includes hospital and health system management; ambulatory service and clinical program development; quality and service improvement; managing tertiary/quaternary services in a teaching hospital environment; clinical integration and physician network development; and strategic development of innovation and technologies. 

Jenn Oyer

Founder & Chief Joy Officer

Community Impact Advisors

Jennifer Oyer is the Founder and Chief Joy Officer of Community Impact Advisors, where she helps nonprofits nationwide grow their impact through strategic philanthropy. A CFRE and faculty member at Indiana University’s Lilly School of Philanthropy, she’s known for fostering joyful giving and nonprofit sustainability. She serves on the boards of AFP U.S. Foundation for Philanthropy and Abilities Unlimited Hawaii, and was named one of Hawaii Business Magazine’s 20 for the Next 20.

Lisa Kubota

Marketing Content Manager

Kamehameha Schools

With a background in journalism and a heart for sharing Hawaiʻi’s stories, Lisa Kubota serves as the marketing content manager for Kamehameha Schools. Her two decades in television news, including as a reporter and anchor at Hawaii News Now, strengthened her commitment to connecting with communities across our islands. She crafts strategic content that honors culture, drives engagement and supports the mission of education. 

Lori Kahikina

Executive Director & CEO

Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART)

Lori Kahikina is the Executive Director and CEO of HART, overseeing the design and construction of the nation’s first automated commuter rail system. Previously, she served as Director of Environmental Services for the City and County of Honolulu. She holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and is a licensed Civil Engineer.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi

Mayor

City and County of Honolulu

Rick Blangiardi has led a life of uncompromising service to Hawaii, his colleagues and especially his family. Elected as the 15th Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, he is now leading the nearly one million people of the eleventh largest municipality in the country.  Prior to being elected, he led a distinguished and award winning career as a media executive for more than four decades and was a coach at the University of Connecticut and University of Hawaii as a Defensive Coordinator/Associate Head Football Coach. 

Meli James

Co-Founder

Mana Up

Meli James is the co-founder of Mana Up, a Hawai‘i-based accelerator, venture fund, and retail platform supporting the next generation of local consumer brands. She is also president of the Hawai‘i Venture Capital Association and a former Silicon Valley entrepreneur. Recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as a Woman to Watch, Meli serves on several boards and is a 2020 Omidyar Fellow. She is a graduate of Cornell University’s Nolan School of Hotel Administration.

Micah Kane

President

Hawaii Community Foundation

Micah A. Kāne is CEO and president of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF), the state’s largest and oldest foundation. He also served on the HCF Board of Governors for eight years before joining HCF. Later this year, Micah will be transitioning to become CEO of Parker Ranch. His previous work experience includes serving as chief operating officer of Pacific Links International, and chairman of the Hawaiian Homes Commission and Hawaiian Home Lands. Micah is a graduate of Kamehameha Schools, Menlo College, and the Shidler College of Business at UH Mānoa. 

Michelle Bartell

President & CEO

Aloha United Way

Michelle Bartell is President and CEO of Aloha United Way, where she leads efforts to improve lives across Hawai‘i through programs like the 211 Helpline and ALICE initiative. She brings a blend of nonprofit leadership and corporate strategy from her time at American Savings Bank. A UCLA graduate and active volunteer, Michelle is dedicated to building a stronger, more connected Hawai‘i.

Neill Char

Vice Chair of the Retail Banking and Consumer Products Group

First Hawaiian Bank

Neill Char is Vice Chair of the Retail Banking and Consumer Products Group at First Hawaiian Bank, overseeing the branch network, middle market commercial banking, and consumer products across Hawai‘i, Guam, and Saipan. He has held executive leadership roles since 2009 and is on the bank’s Senior Management Committee. He serves on the boards of the Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific, Friends of Hawai‘i Charities, and the Japan-America Society of Hawai‘i. He holds a Finance degree and is a Pacific Coast Banking School honors graduate and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor. 

Patrick Sullivan

CEO & Founder

Oceanit

Dr. Patrick Sullivan is the Founder and CEO of Oceanit, a “Mind to Market” company that develops global technology solutions across aerospace, energy, IT, and life sciences. Since founding Oceanit in 1985, he has also led multiple private equity spinouts in healthcare, industrial tech, and beyond. He is a scientist, engineer, entrepreneur, and author focused on turning breakthrough research into real-world impact.

Regular Ticket

$225